Opioid Overdose Cases Increased by 30% In One Year

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, opioid overdose cases increased by as much as 30% in just one year

The agency discovered that emergency departments continued to check in more and more people overdosing on opioids between July 2016 and September 2017. The increase was noticed in men and women across all age groups and regions across the US.

Unfortunately, heroin fentanyl (a synthetic opioid) have led to an epidemic that took the lives of at least 63,000 people in 2016 alone and cut the life expectancy. The report also suggests that the epidemic does not seem to show any signs of slowing down.

“Long before we receive data from death certificates, emergency department data can point to alarming increases in opioid overdoses. This fast-moving epidemic affects both men and women, and people of every age. It does not respect state or county lines and is still increasing in every region in the United States.” said CDC Acting Director Dr. Anne Schuchat

The Midwest region of the country recorded the largest change, with the rate surging 70%. At the same time, Wisconsin experienced a 109% spike, while Missouri reported a 21% increase.

Opioid overdoses increased by 40% in the West, 21% in the Northeast, 20% in the Southwest and 14% in the Southeast.

The epidemic is affecting both men and women, as rates increased as never before. Authorities are worried and are currently looking for solutions.